Gastroenterology Unit
Gastroenterologists at Glengarry Private Hospital provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services relating to the treatment of the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, gall bladder, liver and pancreas.
Our procedures/services include:
- Gastroscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Haemorrhoid banding
- Dilatation of strictures
- PEG tube insertion
- Cancer screening and detection
- Iron infusions
- Biologics infusions for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The Gastroenterology service is provided within our Day Procedure Unit which is located within easy access of the main hospital reception.
The Day Procedure Unit consists of 15 beds and 2 procedural rooms. Quality, high definition flexible endoscopes, processors and the latest reprocessing equipment and air filtered cabinets are available, as are our experienced and highly trained Gastroenterologists, General Surgeons and Consultant Anaesthetists.
Our Gastroenterologists
For information about our gastroenterologists click here.
Upper Endoscopy
Upper endoscopy or gastroscopy procedures help to investigate and assess the following:
- Reflux and heartburn
- Abdominal discomfort
- Coeliac disease
- Pain
- Helicobacter pylori testing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swallowing disorders
- Oesophagitis
- Barrett’s oesophagus
- Weight loss
- Unexplained anaemia or bleeding of the upper digestive tract
- Treatment of ulcers and strictures.
- Diagnostic biopsy, a small tissue sample, can also be performed.
Your Consultant will provide you with instructions for you to follow in regard to preparing for your test.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an examination of your large bowel, rectum and a portion of the small intestine. A flexible endoscope called a colonoscope is used for this procedure.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your Doctor which will usually require a particular diet to be followed, together with a special bowel preparation drink, which is used to clear the large bowel so that the Endoscopist can easily visualise the mucosal lining of the large intestine.
You will also be required to fast from food and drink prior to your procedure.
You will be provided with sedation for your procedure via a vein in your arm or back of your hand.
Colonoscopy can be used to assess and investigate:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Changes in bowel habit
- Long standing constipation, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Rectal bleeding
- Anaemia
- Weight loss
- Removal of polyps
- Diagnostic biopsy or small tissue samples can also be performed
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy or endoscopy as it is otherwise known is an examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. A flexible endoscope called a gastroscope is used. You will usually be asked not to eat or drink for 6 hours before your procedure.
You will be provided with sedation for your procedure via a vein in your arm or back of your hand.
The Gastroscopy is a relatively short case and is usually completed within 20 minutes.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
A flexible sigmoidoscopy looks at the lower colon and rectum which need to be cleared prior to your procedure. One or two enemas are administered prior to your procedure by nursing staff in our day procedure unit. You will usually also be advised to fast for at least 6 hours prior to the procedure.
Some patients may decide to have this procedure without sedation.
General information for all procedures
It is important to inform your Doctor about the following, prior to your test being done:
- Have you any allergies or allergic responses to any medication?
- Are you taking any blood thinning medications?
- Are you diabetic?
- Do you have any relevant medical, anaesthetic or surgical history? (For example, diabetes, sleep apnoea, have a pacemaker or defibrillator.)
- Are you taking regular medications?
It is also important to ensure that following sedation, you do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours. Additionally, we recommend you do not sign legal documents until the next day. Please ensure a responsible adult is with you after the procedure and overnight following your sedation. After your procedure, your Consultant will provide you with a written report with the results. A follow up appointment, either with the Consultant or with your referring Doctor, will also be advised.
FAQs
What is endoscopy?
An endoscopy is a procedure using a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a camera at the tip. At Glengarry Day Procedure Unit, procedures using an endoscope include colonoscopy, gastroscopy and sigmoidoscopy.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure using a thin flexible lighted tube, inserted through your anus in order to inspect your large bowel.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
A colonoscopy procedure typically takes 20-40 minutes, depending on whether the doctor needs to remove polyps or take biopsies. You should plan to spend 3-4 hours total at the hospital account for the time needed for preparation and recovery.
What is a gastroscopy?
Gastroscopy involves using a thin flexible lighted tube, with a camera at the tip (gastroscope) to examine the upper digestive tract. The gastroscope is inserted into the mouth and travels down the oesophagus, then into the stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
What is a gastroscopy looking for?
Gastroscopy is usually done to investigate symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. It can show if there is inflammation, an ulcer or a polyp or other growth. A biopsy may be taken, if required, at the time of the gastroscopy.